France helps Caribbean territories

The French government says it will be putting measures in place to help Guadeloupe and Martinique recover from the recent strikes that have paralyzed the economy.



France\'s minister for overseas departments Yves Jego said a 6-month moratorium will be issued on debts for small to medium-size businesses.



Jego said the government is also considering offering zero-interest loans for a maximum of 25,000 euros, as well as making it easier to create part-time jobs.



One union leader in Martinique called the plan ambitious and conceded that it could help the islands to recover losses.